NDP: Government shuts down debate on Ford’s Bill 5 power-grab

QUEEN’S PARK – Progressive Conservatives are using their majority to shut down debate on Doug Ford’s lawless and dangerous power-grab. Yesterday, the government brought in a Time Allocation motion to shut down committee debates and give barely an hour to discuss a Bill that would give Doug Ford unlimited power to create no law zones right across Ontario.

“This government thinks they are above the law,” said Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Doug Ford’s blatant and shameless attempt to get unlimited power makes this government’s playbook very clear:Trump-style politics and Ford-style power grabs.

“First Nations leaders have made it clear – they will not give consent to this shameless power grab. Experts, scientists, and industry have all been sounding the alarm that this approach will only delay projects further. It’s time for the government to realize that they got this wrong, do the right thing and scrap Bill 5.

“Doug Ford made a promise to the people that he would protect Ontario. He is breaking that promise.”

BACKGROUND:

• NDP efforts successfully derailed the government’s attempt to rush through this Bill and pushed committee into next week
• The government introduced a time allocation motion Thursday evening that will:
  • Schedule committee meeting on June 3rd from 1pm-6pm and 6:30pm-midnight, limit debate and allow for only one 20-minute recess.
  • Allow for only 1 hour of third reading debate, force the vote on the same day as the debate and committee report.